Italian Citizenship Referendum Sparks Debate on Belonging and Identity

Wed Oct 22 2025 23:53:46 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Italy prepares to vote on a citizenship referendum, voices from the migrant community highlight the ongoing struggle for recognition and equity within the nation.

The upcoming referendum in Italy, which proposes to reduce the time needed for foreign residents to obtain citizenship from ten years to five, has ignited discussions about identity and belonging. While nationalist sentiments threaten to overshadow the conversation, many activists and residents, including those like Sonny Olumati, strive for recognition as integral parts of Italian society despite facing systemic barriers.

As Italy approaches a pivotal referendum on citizenship laws, the very fabric of national identity is being scrutinized. The proposed measure aims to cut the citizenship application time from ten years to five, aligning the nation more closely with the rest of Europe, and sparking fierce debate about who gets to call Italy home.

Sonny Olumati embodies the struggle many face; born in Rome but unable to claim Italian citizenship at 39, he expresses a profound sense of exclusion. “Not having citizenship is like... being rejected from your country," he asserts in his blend of "macaroni" Italian and English. He and a coalition of activists are rallying for a "Yes" vote to alter the citizenship process for the approximately 1.4 million long-term residents who contribute to the country’s workforce yet remain unrecognized.

Despite the referendum receiving support from various political entities, including the liberal party More Europe, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's conservative government is largely dismissing the initiative. Meloni has opted to boycott the vote, claiming the current citizenship law is "excellent" and highlighting that it already permits more foreign citizens than many European nations. Critics argue her stance reflects an intent to stifle voter turnout, applicable to vital discussions around citizenship and inclusion.

The burgeoning tensions surrounding migration have resulted in a polarized atmosphere, as Italy's government enacts measures to limit the number of new arrivals while ignoring the plight of documented immigrants. By keeping citizenship barriers high, critics warn that the government perpetuates a narrative of exclusivity, suggesting that there is a hierarchy of belonging based on race and ethnicity within the country's borders.

Insaf Dimassi, quelling her frustration, describes herself as "Italian without citizenship," having arrived in Italy as an infant. She poignantly articulates the disillusionment felt by many, having been reminded by her parents that she was not eligible to stand for local election, a realization that encapsulated her sense of invisibility.

On the eve of the referendum, campaigns to encourage voter participation have emerged, with students in Rome painting a call to action on city squares. Yet, with the government’s indifference and lack of robust public engagement, many fear a low turnout could thwart any change.

Sonny remains hopeful, asserting that regardless of the referendum's outcome, conversations regarding the inclusion and status of non-citizens in Italy must continue. “Even if they vote 'No', we will stay here – and think about the next step," he emphasizes, indicating a resolve to shape a more inclusive understanding of Italian identity in the future.

With the vote looming, the broader implications for social equality and recognition hang in the balance, raising essential questions about citizenship, belonging, and the shared future of a diverse Italy.